Free US Residential Lease Agreement Template (PDF)
A residential lease records the arrangement between a landlord and a tenant for renting a home. This US-focused template is an English-language starting document for a residential tenancy. Before using it, check the rules of the state and locality where the property is located.
- Jurisdiction
- United States (state and local rules differ)
- Document language
- English
Download a free blank PDF
Choose the document language. The blank PDF can be saved, printed, and filled in manually. No account is required to download it from this page.
This country-specific document is available in English only. The explanation on this page may be in a different language.
Download blank PDFPDF · A4 · 4 pages · 61 kB
Preview this template
What’s in the blank PDF
The built-in template “Residential lease” from the app, as its Preview shows it before anything is filled in.
Sections
- Premises and term
- Rent
- Security deposit
- Occupants and use
- Utilities and services
- Maintenance and repairs
- Required disclosures
- Ending the tenancy
- Other terms and enforceability
Lines to fill in
- Property address
- Lease term
- Rent
- Rent due day of month
- Deposit
- Late rent fee
- Payment methods
- Utilities included
- Maximum occupants
- Pets allowed
- Smoking allowed
- Parking included
- Furnished
- Built before 1978
- Special terms
- Governing law
Signature blocks
- Landlord
- Tenant
- Co-tenantoptional
- Guarantoroptional
- Witnessoptional
Why use a written residential lease?
A written lease can set out important shared expectations about the property, the rental term, rent, deposits, occupancy, and maintenance. It also gives both sides a reference when questions arise during the tenancy. Residential rental rules differ significantly across US states and cities; a generic document may be missing mandatory wording or disclosures.
What to consider including
- Full legal names of landlord and tenants and the property address.
- Lease start and end dates and the type of tenancy.
- Rent amount, due date, payment arrangement, and any permitted fees.
- Security deposit details and any applicable statutory requirements.
- Occupants, pets, utilities, maintenance, and property-use terms.
- Required disclosures, notices, and attachments under local law.
A checklist to think through for your situation. It is not a list of clauses: the blank PDF’s own sections and lines are listed above.
Before signing
Check the applicable state and city rules on deposits, notices, lease terms, disclosures, and tenant protections. Some terms that appear reasonable may be restricted or unenforceable locally. If the tenancy is month-to-month, consider the separate US month-to-month template.
Questions
Is one US lease valid in every state?
No. State and local laws vary, sometimes substantially. This document is a starting point, not a guarantee of compliance in any state.
Can I download the document in German or Spanish?
The explanatory page is available in English, German, and Spanish, but this country-specific template is available as an English PDF only.
Is the PDF download the same thing as a signed agreement?
No. A blank PDF is a starting document. It is not a completed or signed rental agreement. Fill in the applicable details and obtain the required signatures before relying on it.
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